I have been looking at the photos from our safari and remembering the remarkable time we had. I was able to get a copy (thanks Julie) of the great photo James took of us all enjoying the waters of the Delta. There we all are, Cynthia and Brent, Nancy, Julie and Jim, Michelle and Gordon, Brian and me, having the best time in the middle of the Okavango Delta. It was a magical time.
It really was a very spur of the moment decision to go on this safari, but something about the title inspired me. Wild Botswana. I don’t think Botswana could ever be called tame, but this was so different to our other trips to the Delta. They had all been wonderful. We stayed at great camps and lodges. We saw some amazing animal sightings. It was there that I first saw wild dogs.
But looking back, there was something missing. It was all too tame maybe. Sometimes you just have to look on the wild side, get out of your comfort zone, forgo drinking Veuve Clicquot for a couple of weeks, do something different.
Despite my neurosis, it was actually all very safe. Having experienced guides and their seasoned staff we were able to venture into places we would not normally go. Who knew I could survive with sharing a bush shower and long drop toilet? Me the one who can’t tolerate the shower curtains on Queen Mary 2?
It’s hard settling back into the routine at home.
However, when we had sundowners on our deck this evening, who should join us but a little tree frog! Not a Botswana tree frog, but a very cute American one. We are waiting for him to sing.
Tropical Ice do a trip called Wild India. Maybe we should think about adding that to our travel to do list? Meanwhile it’s time to focus on planning our around Africa cruise in November. This will be very different, but I am sure it’s going to be wonderful. Firstly, there won’t be any camping involved. That’s probably a good thing!
Time to pack away the headlamps and safari clothes and start planning the shore excursions. But my mind is still far away watching elephants up close and personal in Botswana. You can wash the dust of Africa out of your hair, but the feel of the bush lingers on in your brain.
There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne — bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive.
Karen Blixen
Out of Africa (1937)
Thank you for taking us along. I’ll be watching for your Around S Africa cruise. That will probably be the only way we’ll get back to Africa, but who knows.
Thanks for reading my blog. With the avoidance of the Suez Canal many more cruises are going around South Africa now, so there are several options to get to Africa now without the long flights if you have the time 🙂
It is easy to see from your posts that this was both an exciting and fulfilling safari for you. Thank you for sharing this journey in such a personal and so well written manner. There were times, between your posts, when I was a bit nervous for you guys. “snakes, I hate snakes” – Indiana Jones
I have to admit that I have never had any desire to go on a safari but 10 years ago I had no desire to go on a cruise either and here I am now with 5 under my belt. So who knows. Your base camp, with real bathrooms, actually did sound pretty interesting and it sounds like you would recommend Tropical Ice. So maybe Dee and I will look into it and do some research.
Thanks Again,
Jack
In many ways safaris are like cruises – there’s the routine, not having to pack and unpack on a daily basis (except if you are camping!), really getting to know the staff, and the opportunity to see wonderful, unexpected places. There are so many wonderful options out there – if you don’t mind flying, you really should give it a go! Especially if you can combine it with a trip home from Cape Town on QM2!